The Savannah tribune. [volume] (Savannah [Ga.]) 1876-1960, 1887-04-02

voice, Wnlcn seemeu almost IKE
caress.
''He has already declared himself
rival of yours, having fallen in love with
the picture have of Bess," she con-
tinued, talking in most familiar strain,
and seeming amused, l fancied, at my
embarrassment.
The carriage drove up just then to the
steps of the veranda, and the girls be
ing there to receive her, made my bow
and drove rapidly down town to my
office.
Arthur Hastings came three days af-
forwards, dressed in his summer broad
cloth, and supporting gold-headed
cane. A more offensive fop had never
entered the town, and hated him as
much as adored Miss Lawrence.
The next few weeks were interspersed
with boating, fishing and driving; l of
course, escorting Miss Lawrence, and
Hastings playing the devoted TO Grace
had scarcely spoken to Bessie since
the night Of our engagement, yet knew
she was true to her vow, although had
wavered.
Each morning found lle at Miss Law
rence's side, each twilight at her feet.
Treacherous as believed her eyes, they
tortured ne, and left a scar upon my
memory and upon my heart.
Bessie must have foreseen the disaster
that threatened me, for she sought my
society at every available opportunity.
In the blindness of my love for another
l evaded and neglected her.
One day we had arranged to have a
picnic in the woodland that lay across
the river. arose early, preparatory to.
completing the plans for the day, and
walked out upon the lawn, which was
dewy and refreshing. Some one came
up softly to my side. 1t was Bessie,
prettily dressed in robe of light blue
muslin, and cluster Of pink roses lay
upon her bosom as if listening to the
beating of her heart.
That pictured Can ever forget it2
No. Time may lessen my vision and
darken the sunlight of my life, yet that
face has looked, and will ever look
sadly upon me from the chamber ofmy
soul.
"Are you going to Denham's Woods
to-day with -Lilian2" she timidly in
CURED, her voice trembling and blush
making crimson her check.
Yes" l replied and turned away
from her, looking in the direction of the
grounds. She crcpt away like a wounded
fawn, and saw her no more.
The day passed away pleasantly. No
cloud prophesied the tragedy the twi-
light would disclose Late in the after
noon Miss Lawrence and l climbed to a
grassy knoll overlooking the river, and
watched the sun go down, which tinted
the CLASSY surface of the river with all
the glory of an autumn forest. Ny soul
revelcd in the poetry Of the scene, and l
was drifting away from her, when sud
denly she turned her eyes upon me, and
in the tenderest voice said:
Such disappointment your sister
could not attend to-day. Her presence,
however, is not missed by one, " and she
pointed to a.skiff some distance off upon
the river cit is Arthur Hastings and
Bessie; they have been upon the river
the entire afternoon" and her voice
trembled just the slightest, as an aspen
leaf will culver when kissed by zephyr.
A party or friends came up then, and,
excusing myself, l hurried off towards
the river to make inquiries as to my sis
ter's absence.
Nearer and nearer came the skiff. Too
well knew that figure in pale muslin,
the large fower-crowned hat, the pink
roses, and-and the lock bracelet. Al
though her face was turned from me,
every feeling that animated it was re-
fected in Arthur Hastings countenance.
He loved her, and as heard him utter
the words, all the old boyish love came
bounding back into my heart with
twofoId intensity. Did she care for
him2 Was she untrue1 And driven to
desperation at the mere thought, I drew